Grand Canyon National Park staff are asking visitors to be careful during theri visit. On Tuesday, a visitor fell 500 feet to their death from Mather point after climbing over a railing there/NPS file photo
It's summer, you're in a national park, what's to worry about? Well, quite a lot, actually, if you're not careful. At Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, staff are hoping visitors have a great time, but asking that they take a few precautions to ensure they have a wonderful vacation. They do that in the wake of a visitor who fell 500 feet to their death on Tuesday.
* Stay on designated trails and walkways and always keep a safe distance from the edge of the rim. In areas where there is a railing or fence, do not climb over the barrier.
* Keep an eye on all of the people in your group, especially small children. Make sure that your travel companions have both feet firmly planted on pavement or developed trails at all times.
* Know where the edge is. Watch foot placement and look for trip hazards. Do not run, jump, or perform physical stunts when near the rim.
* Know the altitude, the South Rim sits at 7,000 feet and the North Rim sits at just over 8,000 feet. Individuals coming from sea level or with health conditions should take time to acclimate to the elevation. Drink plenty of fluids, rest frequently, and do not overexert yourself.
* Check the weather! Monsoon season is quickly approaching and afternoon lightning and heavy rain become daily occurrences. Remember, when it roars go indoors.
* Stay a safe distance away from wild animals. A good rule is two bus lengths or if you can cover an animal with your thumb. Remember, do not feed or water wildlife.
Each year, Grand Canyon visitors suffer from slips, trips, and falls that can result in serious injury or even death. On Tuesday, rangers responded to reports of a visitor who had climbed over a railing at Mather Point, lost footing, and fell approximately 500 feet. The fall was fatal. At this time, an investigation is under way and no further information is available.
Grand Canyon National Park expects increased visitation through the weekend. Plan to arrive early and pack your patience. Parking lots can fill as early as 10 a.m. Prior to arriving at the park you can purchase a 7-day pass on your mobile device by visiting www.yourpassnow.com and selecting Grand Canyon National Park. Visitors are also encouraged to use the free shuttle bus system including the option to park in the gateway town of Tusayan and ride into the South Rim Village.
Comments
As a tour guide for many years taking groups to most of the National Parks. I would remind my guests to please stay on the sidewalks, paved trails and be especially alert for wild animals. I have decided that people lose their comon sense when they go on vacation, and that they do things they would never do back at home. I witnessed a man put his young son ( 5 or 6 years old ) on the back of a bison in Yellowstone, our entire bus was screaming at the man, come back... he just wanted that photo, it didn't end up well for the father or the son, both were injured and blamed the NP, for not giving them a caged area for photos with these animals, like they were like pets. And seeing a young Japanese couple in wedding clothes go over the railing and on some rocks that were a overhang for "good pictures ".... the husband fell and had to get a recuse team to bring him back up at the Grand Canyon....i could go on... but people just don't think.
We were at the grand canyon on May 15. Truly the most spectacular and breath taking view I have ever seen. It was a busy day with lots of small children. While trying to take pictures and take in the view I spent more time watching small children 4 years and younger run towards the railing, hanging over the rails, even trying to climb on them. Parents were present but not focused on the children and how quickly & easily they could vanish. By the time you noticed your child is on the other side of the rail it's to late. Children that young have no concept of the danger on the other side.Not only were children precariously at risk several adults were also. I watched as a woman crept forward to the edge ( no railing) with not another inch of distance between her and a fall. People accidentally bump into each other all the time. Lucky for her that was not the case. Heartbreaking to hear of the fatal fall and the only good that will come of it is, perhaps someone will be extra cautious and a life will be saved. Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the person who fell.
It's not fearlessness that ruins experiences at the parks, it's the belief that too many people have that the rules don't apply to them. Those people who the signs aren't meant for who trample the areas off the trail, teach the squirrels that humans are a great place to get food, bring their dogs onto the trails where dogs aren't allowed (no, buying a vest or patch online doesn't make your pet a service animal) and don't clean up after their pets, those people ruin everyone elses experience at the parks. Not just at Grand Canyon, this summer we've been to Golden Gate, Alcatraz, Grand Canyon, Arches, and Dinosaur Nat'l Monument, and those special people who are entitled to do whatever they please are everywhere, taking away from otherwise great experiences.
Was just at both North Rim and South Rim. Saw people going over the barriers, people hiking in dress shoes or flip flops. Biggest thing I noticed was that people did not have water! It's a desert climate people.
FEARLESS=FOOLISH says it all at our beautiful and precious National Parks. Don't be the one that visits and is so fearless you don't Live to tell your grand children about it!
Saw a teenage girl sitting on the rim, dangling her feet over....all accidents should be made public, but I don't know if that would stop young people from risk taking.
When visiting Hoover Dama couple of years ago we saw the same thing. Probably the same idiots!
I totally agree with you. I live in Nye beach newport Oregon 2 blocks from the water. People park daily in front of my house who have dogs. A number of those with dogs immediately let their pet out of the car and right into my yard and then I am left with the dogs mess as they don't think twice about it and head to the beach. For those who take the dogs to the beach poop bags are always available at the beach entrance. I go to the beach everyday and everyday pick up the bags some owners use but then leave on the beach. I am thinking they don't want others to see them walk away from the dogs dropping so they bag it as a responsible dog owner would do but then leave it. To be fair we have thousands of visitors with dogs and I am sure many owners complete the task and dispose of it properly. On another note today is the day after the fireworks people set off on the beach and again many people pick up their trash but many don't.. Apparently they do not care about the environment . They come have their fun and leave. Selfish and having entitlement issues. I will make my day after walk with trash bags wondering how can people be so thoughtless and rude.